The Basque Struggle in Europe

The Basque people are an ethnic group found primarily in Spain and France, but with a population worldwide. Since 1959, Basques have demanded that Spain grant the region self-determination. The government of Spain, in an effort to tamp down Basque nationalism, has outlawed all Basque political parties. Despite this, the Basque people continue to be politically engaged, though many face consequences, including extradition. Authorities in Spain and France closely coordinate activities to mitigate Basque separatist sentiment and activity in northwest Spain and southwest France. Basque activist and French citizen Aurore Martin, for example, is currently facing charges and prison after being extradited to Spain by France for involvement in a Basque political party called Batasuna.